Gear

Our typical Canoe Camping Gear List

Pre-trip organizing of gear
  • Canoe (duh), paddles and spare, bailer, lines, kneeling pads
  • Map/chart and compass. A waterproof map case is highly recommended.
  • PFDs, spray skirt (optional), paddling gloves if cold water
  • Canoe cart (optional)
  • Canoe barrels, dry bags, ziplock freezer bags
  • Tent, tarp and lines. You will want a clothes line for drying.
  • Sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
  • Stove with spare parts, full fuel bottles
  • Bowls, cups, cutlery, multi-tool knife and cooking knife, pots, cooking utensils, lighters
  • Dish wash basin, biodegradable dish soap, washing and drying rags, pot scrubber
  • FOOD! (Pack enough). And coffee. And some form of alcohol if traveling with kids.
  • Entertainment: Ukuleles, journal, reading books, games, etc (see Kids page)
  • Phone, camera, portable solar panel, satellite messaging device
  • Sun screen, bug spray, tooth brushes, tooth paste, lip balm, biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper (make an easy to grab toilet ziplock bag with TP, lighter, hand sanitizer)
  • Clothes: Quick dry materials are best, rain jacket, rain pants, down jacket, wool or insulated shirts, bathing suit, socks, undies (if so inclined). Focus on comfort and don’t pack your favourite white t-shirt. Things are guaranteed to get dirty!
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, toque, bug helmet
  • First-aid kit and medications
  • Head lamps, any lightweight light sources (and extra batteries)
  • Towels (light, quick dry towels, Turkish towels or sarongs are best)
  • Shoes and flip flops. A pair of sturdy, secure waterproof sandals or shoes is highly recommended.
  • Water filter and water bottles, collapsible water containers. An extra filter is a very good idea for backup.
  • Fishing rods and gear box (and license)
  • Predator deterrent (bear spray, bear bangers, noisy children)
  • Duct tape, garbage bags
  • Axe / saw / hatchet/ poo shovel (important for leave no trace camping)
  • Boat repair gear: epoxy and sandpaper, heavy tape
A collapsible sink like this one by Seattle Sports is a game changer for dishes
Dry bags are amazing! We have a variety of styles and sizes to choose from depending on the trip. The backpack versions are great for trips with portages.
We use this MSR whisperlite Universal Stove
A lightweight, nesting set of pots is highly recommended
A barrel is perfect for storing food. If portaging, you will not regret the additional purchase of a barrel harness to carry it on your back.

*My recommended wilderness first-aid kit

Blurr Designs – Great clothing for outdoor living

Hellman Canoes – Where this all started in 2008 – Handcrafted in Nelson,BC

MEC – One stop for everything you need to outfit for your first canoe trip